The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-05-26


alOne-one who was perhaps now toss
ing in delirium. and longing vainly for
some hand to smooth his pillow?
Could Arnim have suspected with
what longing Papillon awaited him-a
longing notion his own account-would
he have fastened home?
Night had already fallen when he
entered the family sitting room NOR
tally weary, and threw himself into his
armchair. When Desiree saw him she
uttered cry.
care you afraid of me, Papillon ?'
he asked, in hollow tone Marianne,
give me some nourishing food. Send
Ivan to me at once"
Marianne fastened out to do his bid
ding. Desiree approached and took
his hanC.
Poor uncler' she said. Must you
exert yourself so much? How are your
patients?"
"Do you mean the one in Grunfeld,
child?" he answered, sadly, and stroked
her hair, He fell i'll suddenly-how
seriously l can not tell until to-mor-
row. shall drive over again at noon.
Removal is out of the question, but the
house where he lies is comfortable, the
bed good. The house belongs to an
elderly widow who has seen most of
her family sicken and die, and knows
much of illness. She will do her best
for him, but l hope to find a nurse.
Ivan" he added as the Russian serv-
ant entered. you must leave early
in the morning with linen and other
comforts for your sick countryman.
You may await me at Grunfeld."
"All righ.r' said Ivan, with stolen
glance at Desiree. "The master COM
mands, Ivan obeys."
1t was past midnight. Deep silence
broOded over the vine-wreathed house.
A light step stole down the stairs and
over the thresholds woman's figure
disguised in wrappings, a bundle in
hand. From the hood of red cloth
beamed a pale, charming, girlish face
Below at the front door stood Ivan
with large, closely-packed basket.
Gomez" whispered the young girl.
''Let us hasten"
but my master will be angry and
your little feet will be weary VANS
feet will not tire. Let him 90 alone.
He would go through seas of fire for
the young master and for YOU
"Hush! [ have written to the doc
tor. He will not be angry. A human
life is at stake. Have you forgotten
any thing?"
Nothing, my lady. 1 have bottle
OF whisky in my pocket"
The next morning the Russian doctor
found in the breakfast room note to
his address containing these words:
DO not seek nurse for your friend. will
remain with him until all danger is over or
until he leaves this world. Ivan goes with me-
Do not chide my secret departure. should have
died had been held back. and know that you
would have held me back. In q case like this
every minute is precious.
THE pitying Mother OF God will pSotect him
and me. And you, dear uncle. will make him
We'll In his sick-chamber hope soon to kiss
your hand
Good heavens. what will people
say" cried Marianne, as Arnim read
her the letter I'VE must never receive
her back. o what a scandal there will
ber'
"Haye no fear of that. If Hilmar
RECEIVERS, every one will think his future
wife did a heroic deed"
His future wife?"
"Yes, Marianne. The night before
he left Hilmar confessed to me his love
for Desiree."
''For this child! And the silly thing
thought he wanted to make me his
wife. Well, 1 am glad 1 told her 1
would never accept an offer from him.
But if he dies"-
60 hope he may live. God is merci-
full, i will at once drive over to Grun-
field"
He returned to his study and opened
his desk. He took from box bit of
yellow lace, closed it tenderly in the
hollow of his hand-then pressed it to
his eyes-a long. long time. -